Delegates Choose Engagement Over Divestment

Wespath Benefits and Investments (Wespath) respects the wisdom of the GC2016 body supporting the balanced, diversified and sustainable investing approach we have administered for many years.

We recognize the present and future advantages of engaging with the companies in which we invest. Working with our national and international values-based investment partners, we can ensure that companies hear the UMC voice. We are committed to achieving positive change by remaining in dialogue and identifying solutions that will improve corporate environmental and human rights policies and practices.

Wespath will continue its adherence to its investment mission and fiduciary obligation. We strongly believe that our efforts will be successful in helping to protect God's creation and promote greater respect for human rights. As we all transition to a low carbon economy, we hold a vision for concurrent, collaborative actions that can help secure the retirement financial futures of over 100,000 UMC clergy and lay workers around the world, and provide sustainable investment solutions for our United Methodist-affiliated institutional investors.